Mountain-biking requires a specialized bike with wider tires and deeper treads to allow the bike to grip onto off-road terrain. It allows you to take your bike into areas you could not go with a road-bike, and also can offer something of an adrenalin rush as you go up and down steep hills, across streams, etc.
The activity can be taken at a slow pace on easy routes, but typically it is practiced as a demanding sport at a fast pace and on rough terrain, and in some areas, requires you to take the bike and carry it across difficult parts. In such cases, it demands excellent physical condition.
History
This activity originated in France at the beginning of the century. The worldwide championships of mountain-biking began in 1925, and the International Association of Biking recognized them in 1950.
Today it is a very popular activity that is practiced both as a professional sport and as a hobby.
Mountain-biking in Chile
The country offers many ideal locations for participating in this activity. Starting in the North, the dry, rustic and inhospitable landscape of the desert predominates. The routes and paths present big challenges for the aficionados of this sport, who must contend with the hot sun, dehydration, the high diurnal temperatures and the extreme low ones during the night.
The central zone, on the other hand, offers a more pleasant, temperate climate, and a huge number of places to travel between the coastal and the low mountain areas, both urban and rural. The best options are the national parks and reserves and the secondary roads that pass through the zone.
In the South, Austral and Magellan regions, the temperature is much lower and the climate can present surprises. There exists a great variety of trails and secondary roads within each of these regions. The Austral Road is an excellent route to take during the summer.
| BASIC ASPECTS |
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To practice mountain-biking there is no need for either classes or instructors. You simply need to know how to ride a bike, use adequate clothing, and have the desire to enjoy this activity.
| DESTINATIONS.
When and where. |
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Some more suggestions of sites to know in our Chile Attractions section .
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| RECOMMENDATIONS |
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Ecological
- Be respectful of nature.
- Do not dump garbage. If you brought it, take it with you. If you find any litter and are able to dispose of it properly, it would be very much appreciated.
- Avoid going off the trails.
Safety
- Go accompanied.
- Wear a helmet at all times.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight can be risky. Wear a hat and use sunscreen lotion.
- Take the right equipment with you in case of a break-down, as well as simple first-aid provisions.
| EQUIPMENT
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The basic equipment for practicing mountain-biking is:
- All terrain bicycle
- Water bottle
- Helmet
- Suitable clothes
- Tire-pump
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- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Patches
- Tool kit
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Stores
Bike Center
Vitacura Av 6459, Vitacura, Santiago
(56-2) 219 1441
Bicimundo
Vitacura Av 4868, Vitacura, Santiago
(56-2) 218 6543
For more information on stores of bike equipment, see our Shopping section.
| BOOKS
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The following books contain information on places where you can go
mountain biking, as well as facts on tour operators, rates, conditions
etc.
More alternatives on texts in our Book section.
| SERVICES |
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Organizations
Federacion Ciclista de Chile
Vicuña Mackenna Av 40
Santiago
(56-2) 222 8757 - 635 4095
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